Every state of India has its own identity, like Chhattisgarh has an identity, Hasdeo Arand. In central India, the Hasdeo Arand is recognized as one of the largest undisturbed forests in the region. This Forest is nestled in the northern part of Chhattisgarh, this sprawling forest covers an impressive expanse of 17,000 hectares. Stretching across the picturesque districts of Korba, Surguja, and Surajpur, this natural wonderland is a haven for biodiversity. Situated approximately 300 kilometers away from the bustling city of Raipur, this enchanting forest offers a serene escape from the urban chaos. This particular site has witnessed the longest anti-coal protest by indigenous communities in India. The Indian government has proposed coal mining, which would destroy forests. There are 400 trees per hectare in Hasdev Aranya. Since 2012, over 350,000 trees have been felled.  Hasdeo forest is famous for its population of elephants and tigers. Unfortunately, deforestation in the area has endangered various animal and bird species.

Ecology :

This forest is known for many things like rich biodiversity , tribal population and rich coal deposits. Hasdeo river which is a tributary of the Mahanadi river also flow from here. The forest harbors 82 bird species, 167 types of vegetation with 18 being at risk, and endangered butterflies. Approximately 10,000 people belonging to the Gond, Oraon, and various other tribes are thought to inhabit the Hasdeo Arand forest. Many economically valuable trees such as Sal tree and Mahua tree are being sacrificed for  a coal mining project .

Coalfield :

The Hasdeo  Arand coalfield has been divided into 23 coal blocks , spread across an area of 1,879.6  SQ Km .It is a large coalfield with 1.369 billion tonnes ofproven coal reserves and 5.179 billion of estimated coal reserves .In the vast Hasdev Arand coal field, coal reserves are officially reported at 1.369 billion tonnes,with additional estimated reserves of 5.179 billion tonnes.The demand for coal mining for this area began in 2010. In the same year Chhattisgarh had a BJP government and they recommended forest clearament for this area for diverting 1,898 hectares to PEKB[ Parsa East And Kente Basan] coal fields. This coal field is operated by Adani enterprise and the coal extracted from here is used in power plants in Rajeshthan.

Mining :

In 2010 , The demand for coal mining for this area began . In the same year Chhattisgarh had a BJP government and they recommended forest clearament for this area for diverting 1,898.393 hectares to PEKB[ Parsa East And Kente Basan] coal fields. This coal field is operated by Adani enterprise and the coal extracted from here is used in power plants in Rajeshthan.

In 2012, The ministry of environment forest and climate change of India granted the first phase of mining environment clearance [MEKB] permit as per which mining of 762 hectares would yield 137 million tonnes of coal. After some time, two studies concluded the following that if mining is allowed in this region , It will have a significant impact of biodiversity. Another major concern is the human – animal conflict . If trees continue to be cut down like this , it will lead to habitat loss, causing elephants to move into urban areas. Despite numerous reports and warning , in march 2022 the Chhattisgarh government approved mining for the second phase of mining operations at a controversial coal mine, over 15,000 trees were cut, in addition to 81,000 cut since 2012.

In 2021, The Indian Council of Forestry Research and education [ICFRE] allowed coal mining in some regions of the hasdeo forest . But only with ‘’Adequate Safeguards’’ and  suggested that the surrounding areas be declared as ‘’No-Go areas’’ for mining.

Protest :

In 2010, Activists and forest dwellers began protesting against it and since then , until today this movement has continued whether it’s 300 km long human chain or protests akin to the chipko movement.

From last 10 years , many individuals groups and communities have been protesting against it. Those who support coal mining argue that the activists are inciting the tribal population and locals. According to them , million of trees have been planted here , and a 100-bed hospital has been built. According to some reports , displaced families have been resettled but locals say that they live in pigeon holes where there is neither water and nor electricity.

Forest Right Act , 2006 :

According to the forest rights Act , 2006 to approve any project it is mandatory to fulfill the claims of the forest department and obtain written consent from  the gram sabha . But the ‘’Friends Of Hasdeo Arand’’ who are against this coal mining project, they have claimed that companies have created fake gram sabha to show consent from the tribal community. The company may have obtained consent on paper but the locals are against it. Despite being such an ecologically sensitive area , Hasdeo Arand is not part of India’s protected area network.

If we want to save Hasdeo Arand, we have to email our Prime Minister ”Narendra Modi” and ask him to stop mining and ensure that no mining takes place on tribal lands without their actual consent. Between 2001 and 2023, Chhattisgarh is projected to have lost 53.5 hectares of relative tree cover, representing a 100% reduction from 2000 and representing 2.3% of the worldwide total. There is not a single moment to loose because the media and the government do not want to take action just because of the elections.

Do You Know?

Due to its rich forests this region is called the ‘Lung of Chhattisgarh’.